Washington, D.C.-(ENEWSPF)- Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, introduced H.R. 2408, the Protecting Girls Access to Education Act, which ensures that children, specifically young girls, are able to receive an education when displaced by conflicts overseas.
“As a mother, the statistics are truly heartbreaking,” Kelly said. “There are 30 million children living as refugees and 20 million of them aren’t receiving a primary education. In addition to running from war, strife and famine, this lack of education makes these young people easier targets for terrorist organizations and human traffickers. This bill matches our international aid investments with our values – protecting children and helping them learn, grow and succeed – while supporting U.S. and global peace and security.”
“As a parent and former teacher, I firmly believe that education empowers our children,” Chabot said. “Unfortunately, with a staggering 65 million people around the world now displaced from their homes, it has become increasingly difficult for children in conflict zones to receive a primary or secondary education. H.R. 2408 aims to offer educational opportunities to the approximately 62 million girls globally who aren’t in school. By providing access to safe primary and secondary education, this legislation would help pave the way for a more peaceful and stable life for these girls, before they are subjected to further poverty, trafficking and recruitment into extremist organizations.”
This legislation encourages the U.S. government to make the education of children in areas of conflict a priority in their assistance efforts and directs the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to increase the access of displaced children, especially girls, to educational, economic, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Source: https://robinkelly.house.gov